Thursday, April 23, 2009

Thursday's Ten -- the outdoor variety

Having celebrated Earth Day yesterday, and seeing the sunshine outside today, I'm truly craving some outdoor time. Since I can't get any at the moment (boo!) I'll just tell you some of MY favorite things to do outside it great weather!

1. hike/walk/run. Whether it's just around the neighborhood or going to one of the *gorgeous* greenways or parks in the city I love it.
2. a picnic. If there are kids involved, make sure there's a playground nearby, and that you have a good book to read on the blanket while they play :0)
3. working in the garden. Now...I kind of suck at gardening. But I love to *try* to make my backyard pretty. I have big plans to work in my garden next week! I'd really like to get an herb garden started. I've killed all the herbs I've attempted to grow...but I have hope. Any tips among the rest of ya?
4. tanning. I know, I know. Bad for you, blah blah. But I am built in such a way that I crave--need--the sun. And somehow, getting a little hint of brown on my skin makes me feel better emotionally and physically. I'm sure I'll pay for it one of these days, but I'm telling you. I never deal with depression when there's sunshine to be had.
5. playing. I don't have kids of my own, but I babysit enough--and have enough friends with children--that I'm quite used to playing outside on swingsets and jungle gyms. I love it.
6. driving. If I can't walk or run, just driving with the windows down and sunroof open will do. And the music blasting, of course!
7. being near water. Oceans are best, but access to them in TN? I'll settle for a river, lake, creek, waterfall. There is something therapeutic to me about hearing, seeing and smelling water. I somehow always feel closer to God at the water's edge.
8. whitewater rafting. A tradition for us at youth camp every year, so I get to go once per summer at least. But I love going with a group of friends as well.
(the last 2 are kind of remarkable considering I don't know how to swim..at all!)
9. sitting on the patio. Especially at dusk or at night. I plant moonflowers each year, and make sure there's a lot of white in my garden besides that so that I have some beauty to look at even in the near-dark. I love to relax and listen to the beautiful sounds around me. This does not include a nearby neighbor's yappy dachshunds. ;-)
10. pull out the camera. I'm sure you've all figured out by now that I enjoy taking pictures. I love grabbing a nature photograph, a photo of a friend--or going to the zoo and taking pictures of the cool animals they have!

What about you? What are your favorite things to do outside?

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11 comments:

Lynda said...

Love the ocean...nothing is better!

Small House said...

You should be enjoying yourself! I love the sun to. We've almost had it for a straight week. Rain and snow blowing in.

Have a great day.
Sandra

Anonymous said...

I love going to the lake or park. I truly enjoy jumping on my scooter and just going around my neighborhood.

Brooke said...

i love hiking, and am very blessed to live close to the Great Smoky Mtns National Park - the trails never get boring!!

Lana said...

I love to be at the beach! I love shopping at outdoor markets as well.

Thanks for stopping by...

Beth said...

Hi Lora! Just wanted to stop by and say thanks for the comment you left on my blog - my first one from SITS! And thank you for your teacher gift idea, it's a great one!

Your blog is so pretty, and I enjoyed reading some of your posts!

Stereos and Souffles said...

If you like rosemary, it's the weed of the herb world and you can't kill it. I love being outside period and I'm lucky bc I live in FL! (Except in the summer, ugh.)

Unknown said...

I might be a little late, but I love the new look!

ashley said...

yea, i feel the same way about gettin' a glow... it just makes me more confident to some color!

Ashley @ {Let Go, Laughing} said...

This post just makes me want to go outside all weekend! Greg and I take long walks almost every weekend... sometimes to go out to breakfast or to the store or something. I love it, I love the feeling of being outside - its hard to be down and depressed in the sunlight!

Bethany said...

You pretty much had the same list as I'd have! I was outside for a good three hours today with the kids at school- YAY for some warm sunlight!!!!!! :)